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The Swans will be after their first NEAFL flag on Saturday night when they will line up for their 4rd NEAFL Grand Final in 5 years. The Swans have fallen agonisingly short in their previous 3 Grand Finals, with the greatest losing margin being just 8 points.

In 2013, they travelled to Brisbane who fielded a stronger lineup with more listed players. Despite a great overall effort and a great individual effort by future Saint Tim Membrey with goals, the Lions were that llittle bit better on the day and won 81-73

In 2014 they went down to the Aspley Hornets in Queensland by 2 points when a dubious free kick late in the 4th quarter resulted in a winning kick after the siren.

In 2016, the Swans were involved in a tremendous tussle with the Giants out at Blacktown only to go down by 4 points. An unfortunate slip by the retiring Teddy Richards in the goal square allowed future Bomber James Stewart to kick the easiest of winning goals.

With this game scheduled after the senior game, this allows all 3 emergencies to play and has resulted in a extremely strong squad of 22 listed players in a squad of 23 named. Darcy Cameron and Robbie Fox will be the only 2 players on the Swans list that will not take part in either the seniors or NEAFL game this weekend.

The Lions bring in 3 listed players to join the limited 16 that beat Sydney Uni last week to give them a total of 19 listed players.

The Lions are the only team to have defeated the Swans this year, winning 2 of the 3 matchups.

Excellent 2nd half of the season, kicking 29 goals in the last 8 games and only missing out being named in the Best Players once in that time.

2

Alex JOHNSON

8

1

0

Sat out the last quarter against the Suns with his left shoulder iced.

6

Jordan FOOTE

14

8

22

Did a solid tagging job on Mitch Hallahan

7

Harry CUNNINGHAM

5

6

11

Seniors emergency. Played mainly as a midfielder against the Suns

8

Kurt TIPPETT

5

12

9

Last NEAFL game was in July where he kicked 5 goals against the NT.

9

Will HAYWARD

2

8

3

Will only be his 3rd NEAFL game of the year but has kicked multiple goals in both of those games.

11

Jeremy LAIDLER

15

3

24

Will have to play tall against Brisbane's giant forward line, a change from the shorter forwards he usually lines up on in the NEAFL.

13

Oliver FLORENT

10

13

20

Has played the last 5 NEAFL games, but hasn't been as dominant as his earlier NEAFL performances earlier this year.

19

Shaun EDWARDS

15

19

9

Has found a new position as a deep lying forward, kicking 4 goals each in the last 2 games.

21

Jack MAIBAUM

19

1

10

Kept Jarrad Grant goalless, and will have another big task this week.

25

Ben RONKE

11

13

6

Playing a high half forward role, will have a crucial role in limiting the Lions' rebound.

27

Dan ROBINSON

9

9

22

Seniors emergency. Since being dropped from the senior team, has played 4 NEAFL games and been in the Best Players in all 4 games.

30

Tyrone LEONARDIS

18

13

4

His last 2 weeks have been his best this year by far.

31

Harrison MARSH

11

2

15

Did a great job marshalling the defence as well as playing on talls and smalls.

32

Michael TALIA

18

3

12

A late, late season move up forward (a la Xavier Richards) to give our forward line some structure and he has played well in this new role.

33

Brandon JACK

17

14

40

Out of contract, likely to be his final game for the Swans. Has been a dominant player in the NEAFL during that time.

34

Jordan DAWSON

14

34

39

Had more time as a forward last week than usual. Amazingly has kicked a goal in all 14 of his games this year.

36

Aliir ALIIR

15

16

21

Seniors emergency. Resumed his usual role as a full-time defender after stints as a ruck-forward.

38

Colin O'RIORDAN

15

4

10

Missed the last Lions game and we terribly missed his run and carry in that match.

45

Sam FISHER

18

25

20

Going for his second straight NEAFL premiership after winning it last year with the Giants as a topup.

46

Sam MURRAY

17

8

18

Struggled against the Lions in R19 and will be looking to redeem himself.

47

Toby PINK

19

22

8

Will provide ruck support for Tippett.

ChangesIn: Tippett, HaywardOut: Sam NAISMITH (seniors)

Talia has been providing a much needed focal point in the last 2 rounds, but with Hayward's inclusion could possibly return to help deal with Brisbane's talls. While Hayward is not your traditional tall forward, his hard leads and strong hands mean he could perform such a role.

Tippett obviously replaces Naismith in the ruck but there is unlikely to be too many other structural changes with Edwards flourishing as a deeper forward

Academy Players/Topups

#

Name

Games

Goals

Votes

Notes

55

Jarrod OSBORNE

6

2

0

48

Sam WICKS

10

13

1

Emergency

52

Harry CARR

6

12

0

Emergency

53

Sam BARKLEY

8

1

1

Emergency

In:
Out: Sam WICKS

Osborne gets the nod over Wicks probably for his ability to fill in forward and back.

In the Round 19 clash, the Swans went in without a recognised ruckman with Toby Pink struggling against Smith and McInerney's dominance. They even tried running with no ruckman during the 2nd quarter with some limited success. Aliir rucked most of the 2nd half. With Tippett in the side it gives the Swans a chance to break even at the hitouts. Smith has had 6 AFL games this year and McInerney has had an outstanding debut NEAFL season being named in the NEAFL team of the year as well as winning the Lions NEAFL B&F award.

Foote v Beams

Foote had the run with role on Mitch Hallahan last week and did a good job for 3 quarters. In the Round 19 clash Beams had 4 clearances and 6 inside 50s and generated many Lions scoring opportunities. He was best on ground in their preliminary final with 38 disposals, 9 marks, 11 inside 50s and 3 clearances. Keeping him quiet will be one of the Swans's goals for the day.

Maibaum/Aliir/Marsh v Hammelmann/Freeman/Close

The Lions forwards were dominant against the Swans in Round 19, with the 128 points they scored they highest the Swans have conceded this season. In particular the 3 talls had the better of their opponents, taking 18 marks and kicking 9 goals between them. Maibaum, Alliir and Marsh are likely to get first crack at them, with Johnson and Talia the other options.

Dawson v Jansen

Both big bodied midfielders (Dawson 190cm Jansen 193cm) likely to go head to head against each other. Jansen is their leading tackler for the year (avg 5.59) and will look to use his size to limit Dawson's impact at the contest.

Edwards v Cox

Cox is an exciting speedy player who can provide the Lions with plenty of drive from their back half. Edwards has the speed to match Cox and his potency in front of goal could cause Cox issues in defence.

Wild speculation, unsubstantiated rumours, silly jokes and opposition delight in another's failures is what makes an internet forum fun.Blessedare the cracked for they are the ones who let in the light.